Where to find the cloud in a Xiaomi phone: a complete guide to Mi Cloud on Android

You bought a smartphone Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO and heard about free cloud storage, but don't know where to look for it? Or suddenly you lost important photos, and someone advised you to restore them via Mi Cloud? In this article, we will look at all the ways to find the cloud on your phone, set up automatic synchronization and avoid common mistakes when working with the service.

The cloud Xiaomi is integrated into the firmware MIUI at a deep level, but its settings are scattered across different menus - from the account to the Gallery application. We'll show you exactly where these features are hidden, how to check what data is already stored in the cloud, and what to do if syncing doesn't work. We’ll also explain why sometimes Mi Cloud may “disappear” from the menu after updating MIUI or resetting the settings —and how to fix it.

What is Mi Cloud and why do you need it on Xiaomi

Mi Cloud is a proprietary cloud storage from Xiaomi, which automatically backs up your contacts, photos, notes and even SMS. By default, each account Xiaomi is provided with 5 GB for free, but many users do not even suspect its existence until they lose data.

Main functions of the service:

• 📸 Automatic backup photos and videos in the original quality (or compressed - to choose from).
• 📱 Contact synchronization, calendar and notes between devices Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Data recovery after resetting the phone or buying a new smartphone.
• 🔒 Remote control: blocking, searching or resetting the phone via the web version.

Important: Mi Cloud works only with a linked account Xiaomi. If you are not logged in when you first turn on your phone, the cloud will not be available. Also, the service may differ depending on the region - for example, in some countries it uses partner clouds (as in Europe). Have you already used Mi Cloud? useful Xiaomi uses partner clouds (like Google Drive in Europe).

Where is the cloud in Xiaomi settings: 3 ways to find

Depending on the version MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS) the path to cloud may vary. We have collected current methods for all modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi i POCO.

Method 1: Through the Xiaomi account settings

The most reliable method is to go to the user profile:

1. Open Settings (icon gears).
2. Scroll up and tap on yours avatar (or the inscription "Mi Account»).
3. Select item Mi Cloud (or “Cloud” in new versions).

Here you will see a complete list of data that is synchronized with the cloud, and you can enable/disable backup for each type of file.

Method 2: Through the "Gallery" application

If you need only a cloud for photos:

1. Open the standard Gallery.
2. Tap on the three horizontal lines (menu) in the lower right corner.
3. Select Mi Cloud or “Cloud albums."

In this section you can view already downloaded photos, enable auto-upload and adjust the compression quality.

Method 3: Through search in the settings

If you cannot find the cloud manually:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on lupe (search) in the upper right corner.
3. Enter the query "Mi Cloud" or "Cloud".

The system will show all sections associated with cloud storage, including hidden settings.

How to enable automatic synchronization with the cloud

Default Mi Cloud maybe disabled to save traffic or battery power. To save photos, contacts and notes automatically:

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Activate the switch Synchronization at the top screen.
3. Select data types for backup:
   • 📷 Gallery — photos and videos.
   • 📞 Contact —phone book.
   • 📝 Notes — notes from the Notes application.
   • 💬 SMS — message history.
   • 🎵 Records — voice recordings.
4. Press Synchronization settings and select:
   • 🔄 Only via Wi-Fi (recommended so as not to waste mobile traffic).
   • ⚡ When connected to charging (so as not to drain the battery).

After activation, the first synchronization may take from several minutes to hours - depending on the amount of data. Progress is displayed in the same menu Mi Cloud.

How to recover data from the cloud Xiaomi

If you reset your phone to factory settings, bought a new smartphone Xiaomi or accidentally deleted files, you can return them from Mi CloudHere are step-by-step guide:

Recovery when you first turn on the phone

The easiest way is to restore data immediately after the reset:

1. When you first start the phone, select a language and connect to Wi-Fi.
2. At the “Data Recovery” stage, tap Recover from Mi Cloud.
3. Enter your account login and password Xiaomi.
4. Select a backup copy (if there are several) and confirm the restoration.

Restore to an already configured phone

If the phone is already in use:

1. Login in Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select the data type (for example, Gallery or Contact).
3. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Restore.
4. Confirm the action and wait for completion (do not turn off the phone!).

Attention: the recovered data will be replaced current files on the phone. For example, if you restore contacts, they will overwrite the existing phone number. book.

What to do if the backup is not restored?

If the process is frozen at the “Data Preparation” stage, try:

1. Restart the phone.

2. VPN (if used).

3. Make sure that there is enough space on the phone (at least 10% of the backup volume should be free).

4. Repeat the restore after 1-2 hours - sometimes the servers Xiaomi are overloaded.

Why the cloud Xiaomi does not work: 5 common problems and solutions

Sometimes Mi Cloud refuses to synchronize data or disappears from the settings altogether. Here are the most common reasons and ways to solve them:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
The cloud is not displayed in the settings	Account Xiaomi is not linked or reset	Go to Settings → Memory → Backup and log in again
Synchronization stuck at 0%	Blocking backgrounds with battery optimizer	Add Mi Cloud battery exceptions (see advice above)
Photos are not loading	Not enough space in the cloud (5 GB full)	Delete unnecessary backups or buy additional space
Not restored contacts	Conflict with Google account	Disable synchronization of contacts with Google to Settings → Accounts
Server error unavailable"	Problems on the side Xiaomi or VPN blocking	Check your Internet connection or try again later

If none of the methods helped, try:

1. Update firmware MIUI to the latest version.
2. Clear application cache Mi Cloud in Settings → Applications.
3. Contact support Xiaomi via the official website (have the phone's IMEI ready).

How to increase space in the Xiaomi cloud: tariffs and lifehacks

Free 5 GB in Mi Cloud quickly ends, especially if you save photos in original quality. Let's consider all the ways to expand storage:

Official tariffs (for 2026)

Additional space can be purchased directly in the application Mi Cloud:

• 📦 50 GB - ~150 ₽/year.
• 📦 200 GB — ~400 ₽/year.
• 📦 2 TB — ~1,200 ₽/year.

You can pay by bank card, via Google Pay or balance Mi Account.

How to save space without purchasing

Before paying, try these methods:

• 🗑️ Delete old backups. Go to Mi Cloud → Manage backups and delete unnecessary backups.
• 📷 Compress photos. In the cloud settings, select “Compressed quality” instead of “Original”.
• 🔍 Exclude folders from synchronization. In Gallery → Mi Cloud you can choose which albums not to download.
• 📁 Transfer files to computer. Download data via Mi Cloud web version (login required) and free up space.

⚠️ Attention: tariffs and available storage space may vary depending on the region. For example, in some countries Xiaomi offers other packages or partner clouds. Check the current conditions in the application Mi Cloud.

Alternatives to Mi Cloud: where else can you save data

If Mi Cloud you are not satisfied with the volume, speed or reliability, consider alternative services:

Service	Free volume	Pros	Cons
Google Drive	15 GB	Integration with Android, reliability	Shared storage for all Google services
Yandex Disk	10 GB	Auto-upload photos, Russian-language support	Less integration with MIUI
OneDrive	5 GB	Good synchronization with Windows	Little free space
Mega	20 GB	Large free space, encryption	Suspicions of insecurity

To transfer data from Mi Cloud to another service:

1. Download files via web version to your computer.
2. Upload them to the selected cloud (for example, Google Drive).
3. On your phone, set up auto-download in the new service.

For automatic synchronization of contacts and calendar, it is better to use Google Account —it is more reliable integrated into Android.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Mi Cloud on Xiaomi

Can I use Mi Cloud without a Xiaomi account?

No, Mi Cloud works only when linked account Xiaomi. If you are not logged in when you first turn on the phone, create an account in Settings → Mi Account.

How to disable automatic uploading of photos to the cloud?

Go to Gallery → Mi Cloud → Synchronization settings and disable the "Autoupload" option. You can also delete already downloaded photos through Storage management.

What happens if you delete your Xiaomi account from your phone?

All data in Mi Cloud will remain on the servers Xiaomi, but access to them from the phone will be lost. To use the cloud again, log in with the same account.

Is it possible to recover deleted files from Mi Cloud?

Yes, for 30 days after deletion, the files are stored in the "Trash" (available via the web version i.mi.comAfter this, recovery is impossible.

Why does Mi Cloud ask you to confirm your identity when logging in?

This is a standard security measure. If you have not logged into your account for a long time or are logging in from a new device, Xiaomi you may be asked for an SMS code, email confirmation or answer to a security question.